Paris has a way of capturing all your senses at once.The aroma of freshly baked croissants drifting from a

neighborhood boulangerie. The sound of coffee cups clinking at sidewalk cafés.

The architectural beauty of centuries-old buildings. The laughter of friends sharing wine beneath the glow of streetlights. And then there are the car horns, scooters, crowded sidewalks, and seemingly endless streams of people going somewhere in a hurry.

Paris is beautiful. Paris is romantic. Paris is delicious. And sometimes, Paris makes me downright dizzy!

But perhaps that's part of the charm. It's a city that invites you to experience everything, while gently reminding you that you don't have to do it all.

Arriving in Paris: Why I Love European Train Travel

We arrived in Paris by train from Amsterdam, and I have to say, train travel is one of my favorite things about exploring Europe.There's something wonderfully civilized about it. You arrive at the station a little early, grab a sandwich or snack, find your platform, and hop aboard. Settle into your seat, open a good book, or simply watch the European countryside pass by your window.

No lengthy airport security lines, no arriving hours before departure, and generally, the trains run on time.

Now, don't misunderstand me. European train stations can be chaotic! There are people coming and going in every direction, luggage rolling across the floors, announcements echoing overhead, and departure boards constantly changing. But somehow, there's a rhythm to it all. Once you're on board, you can exhale.

For me, the journey becomes part of the vacation rather than just a means of getting from one destination to another. And isn't that what travel should be about?

When I think of Paris, I think of food.

Not necessarily elaborate five-course dinners or Michelin-starred restaurants, although Paris certainly has plenty of those.I'm talking about the simple pleasures.A flaky, buttery croissant with your morning coffee. A freshly baked pain au chocolat, with just enough chocolate to make you smile. A sidewalk café where you can linger over lunch without feeling rushed.

And, of course, the boulangeries.

Oh, those French bakeries!

Their windows are filled with golden pastries, beautiful breads, delicate desserts, and all sorts of temptations that seem to whisper, "Go ahead. You're in Paris!"

But what I love most about the Parisian café culture isn't necessarily what's on the plate. It's what happens around the table. People gather. They talk. They laugh. They watch the world wander past.

In the evenings, the café tables are filled with people enjoying a glass of wine, sharing stories, and simply being together. There's a sense that life isn't meant to be rushed through. It's meant to be savored. And that's a philosophy I can certainly appreciate.

Discovering Paris from the Seine…It's a Small World After All!

I've visited Paris several times, and on my first visit, I did what I often recommend to travelers exploring a major city for the first time. I hopped aboard a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus .I've used these buses in cities all around the world because, quite frankly, I can get turned around and lost rather easily!The buses give me an overview of the city, introduce me to the major attractions, and help me develop a sense of direction.I call it getting my bearings before getting lost in the details.

But this visit, we decided to try something different. We explored Paris aboard the Batobus, a hop-on, hop-off boat that travels along the Seine River.What a delightful way to see the city! Rather than navigating traffic, we cruised past magnificent architecture, historic bridges, beautiful riverbanks, and some of the world's most recognizable landmarks. Among our stops and explorations were the Eiffel Tower, Hotel de Ville, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, the Musée d'Orsay, and the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens to name a few.

Of Course that Happen

Now, those of you who know me personally know I can be a bit of a chatterbox. I've never been particularly shy about striking up a conversation with a stranger. And honestly, some of my favorite travel memories have started with a simple hello.

One evening, while dining at a sidewalk café in Paris, we struck up a conversation with a lovely couple sitting at the table next to us. They were also Americans, both doctors, who had traveled extensively around the world and visited Paris many times. What started as a casual exchange turned into a delightful conversation about travel, life, and the places we'd experienced. We enjoyed our evening, said our goodbyes, and went our separate ways.

After all, Paris is a city of millions of people. What were the chances we'd ever see them again? Well, wouldn't you know it. The very next day, while cruising along the Seine aboard the Batobus, who should we run into?

That very same couple!

Of all the boats, of all the stops, of all the people wandering around Paris, there they were. What are the chances? I laughed because, believe it or not, things like this happen to me all the time.

A couple of summers ago, I was in South Dakota attending the annual buffalo roundup when I unexpectedly ran into one of the drivers I work with at the Minnesota State Fair. Me from Florida, her from Iowa, we meet in Minnesota and cross paths in Custer State Park, South Dakota among 20,000 folks who came to see the Buffalo Round Up. The world may be enormous, but sometimes it feels wonderfully small.

I've come to believe that one of the greatest gifts of travel is the opportunity to connect with people we might otherwise never meet. But, we have to be willing to look up from our phones, make eye contact, smile, and occasionally start a conversation. When we're fully present and paying attention, life has a wonderful way of rewarding us with unexpected connections.

And sometimes, those connections find us twice!

Perhaps that's one of the reasons I love traveling so much. Every destination has its famous landmarks, beautiful scenery, and fascinating history. But the people? They're often the stories we remember longest.

When the City Becomes Too Much

Everywhere you turn in Paris, history is waiting to tell you a story.The city's museums are filled with extraordinary art and treasures. Its churches have stood through centuries of change. And the Seine seems to connect it all, winding through the heart of the city like a ribbon tying together the past and present.I especially appreciated seeing Paris from the water.The river gave us a different perspective and a welcome break from the traffic and crowded streets. Sometimes changing your vantage point changes the entire experience.

As much as I appreciate Paris, I must admit, the city can be exhausting.There's a constant hum of activity with cars honking, motorcycles weaving through traffic, people crossing busy intersections, and the general noise that comes with millions of people living and visiting in one place.For someone like me, who finds so much peace in nature, on the water, or exploring a quiet village, that constant stimulation can be overwhelming.

And there's so much to see that it's tempting to fill every moment. One more museum. One more church. One more neighborhood. One more famous landmark.Before you know it, you've spent the entire day walking miles, navigating transportation, and checking attractions off a list. You may have seen everything, but did you truly experience it?That's a question I've started asking myself more often as I travel.

A Little Luxury at La Belle Juliette

One of the unexpected highlights of this visit was our lovely hotel, La Belle Juliette.I have to confess; I'm typically a rather thrifty traveler.For years, my philosophy has been that a hotel is simply a place to rest my head. If it's clean, comfortable, and conveniently located, I'm happy. I'd much rather spend my money on experiences than fancy accommodation.But my friend and travel companion introduced me to a different way of thinking.

Sometimes, where you stay is part of the experience.And La Belle Juliette certainly proved her point. Tucked away from the bustling streets, our beautiful hotel offered an atmosphere of elegance and calm. But the real treasure was downstairs. A lovely spa, complete with an indoor swimming pool and steam room. The lighting was soft and soothing. Gentle music filled the air, tea was always on and the entire space invited you to relax, unwind, and release the tension of the day.

After hours of sightseeing, walking, and navigating the excitement of Paris, stepping into that peaceful sanctuary felt heavenly. It reminded me of something important, that luxury doesn't always have to mean extravagance. Sometimes luxury is simply giving yourself permission to rest. And my travel companion taught me that upgrading an experience occasionally can add a whole new dimension to a vacation.

Navigating Paris: A Little Patience Goes a Long Way

One of the biggest challenges when visiting a major European city is figuring out how to get around. Paris offers plenty of choices; You can walk, take a taxi, order an Uber, hop on a bus, ride the Métro, or, as we discovered, explore portions of the city by boat.

Each option has its advantages.

ØWalking allows you to discover those little unexpected treasures tucked between the major attractions.

ØThe Métro can move you efficiently across the city, although I realize not everyone enjoys navigating underground train systems.

ØTaxis and rideshares provide convenience, particularly after a long day, but traffic can be frustrating.

And, of course, there's the additional learning curve of navigating everything in a foreign language.

Fortunately, technology is making international travel much easier. In many European cities, you can simply tap a credit card or phone and be on your way. Paris has its own ticketing systems, so it's worth doing a little research before arriving.The important thing is to know your options rather than assuming you have to figure everything out when you get there.A little preparation creates a lot more freedom once you arrive.

The Greatest Lesson Paris Taught Me This Time

I've traveled enough to know there isn't just one way to experience a destination. Some vacations are fast-paced adventures, packed with sightseeing from morning until night. Some are romantic escapes, filled with leisurely dinners, beautiful surroundings, and time to reconnect. Others are slower journeys where you intentionally leave space in the day to wander, rest, reflect, and enjoy whatever unfolds. And all of them can be wonderful.

What I've learned is that a successful vacation isn't measured by how many attractions you've visited. It's measured by how fully you've experienced the moments that mattered. For me, Paris was about the taste of a warm croissant, the beauty of the Seine, the centuries of history, the simple pleasure of sitting at a café, and the unexpected joy of ending a busy day in a peaceful spa. It was also about learning from my travel companion that sometimes it's worth spending a little more to make an experience truly special. After all, we work hard, we save, we plan, and we look forward to these trips. Shouldn't we give ourselves permission to enjoy them?

A Bit of Insight: The art of travel isn't seeing everything. It's learning to be fully present for what you choose to experience. And sometimes, the most memorable part of a busy city is finding a beautiful place to be still.

Live Well. Travel Far. Inspire Others.

— Lisa Mosbey

A few travel tips

• Batobus: Offers 24- and 48-hour hop-on, hop-off passes with nine stops along the Seine. Official Batobus website.

• La Belle Juliette Hotel: Located in Paris's 6th arrondissement, with an indoor pool and hammam. Hotel and spa details.

• Public transportation: Paris Métro tickets can be purchased through the Île-de-France Mobilités app or loaded onto a Navigo Easy card. Bank-card tap-to-pay is available on many buses but isn't yet universal across the Métro.